503:1 Small Claim Defined. – I. A small claim is any right of action not involving the title to real estate in which the debt or damages, exclusive of interest and costs, does not exceed $10,000. II. Any person may file a small claims action as provided in this chapter, unless trial by jury […]
503:10 Records Requirement. – I. Any person who is a party to a small claim action may, at least 5 business days prior to trial, request of the district or municipal court that a sound recording be made of all proceedings in the trial. If such a request is made, the person making the […]
503:11 Representation of Corporations and Other Business Organizations. – I. Notwithstanding RSA 311:11, and to the extent not inconsistent with court rules, an officer, employee, partner, owner or trustee, as applicable, of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or trust who presents written authorization and who is not an attorney but is appearing for […]
503:12 Post-Judgment Attachment and Execution. – I. Attachments and levies of execution on personal property and real estate may be made on judgments in small claims actions in district courts as provided in RSA 511, RSA 528, and RSA 529. II. A judgment entered in accordance with this chapter may be secured against real […]
503:13 Pre-judgment Attachments. – RSA 511-A shall not apply to the litigation of small claims under this chapter. Source. 2014, 194:3, eff. July 1, 2015.
503:2 Procedure Established. – There is hereby established a simple, speedy, and informal procedure which a plaintiff or his authorized attorney may pursue in an action commenced before a justice of a district or municipal court for the determination of a small claim. Such procedure shall be alternative and not exclusive. Source. 1939, 179:2. […]
503:2-a Representation by Attorneys. – I. Any attorney appearing in a small claims action on behalf of a party shall file an appearance with the court and shall provide copies of that appearance to all opposing parties at least 7 days prior to the hearing date. II. The court shall give notice of the […]
503:3 Process. – An action on a small claim may be commenced by filing an application in the district or municipal court having jurisdiction. The application may be filed by a person or his authorized attorney and shall set forth a statement of the claim, including the names of the parties involved, the residence […]
503:3-a Entry of Claims; Generally. – The statement of the claim shall be filed with the clerk of a municipal court in the town in which the defendant or the plaintiff resides. If there is no municipal court in the town in which the defendant or the plaintiff resides, the statement of the claim […]
503:3-b Entry of Claims; Nonresident Defendant. – The statement of the claim shall be filed with the clerk of a municipal court in the town in which the defendant resides. If there is no municipal court in the town in which the defendant resides, the statement of the claim shall be filed with the […]
503:3-c Repealed by 2014, 194:6, I, eff. July 1, 2015. –
503:4 Disposition of Fees. – I. The clerk shall receive the entry fee for the use of the state and shall pay the postage for mailing the statement to the defendant required in RSA 503:6. II. The sum of $5 shall be added to each entry fee collected in the district courts for small […]
503:5 Repealed by 1955, 15:1, eff. Feb. 25, 1955. –
503:6 Notice to Defendant. – I. The court shall cause notice of the claim and the substance thereof to be given to the defendant, whether or not the defendant is a resident of this state, by sending a written statement to the defendant by postpaid first class mail, addressed to the defendant at the […]
503:7 Judgment. – At the hearing, the technical rules of evidence shall not apply but the justice may admit any evidence he deems material and proper. Judgment shall be entered for the prevailing party and, if the plaintiff recovers, his costs and interest shall be awarded to him in addition to the judgment in […]
503:8 Proceedings After Judgment. – All proceedings subsequent to the rendition of judgment shall follow existing practice and procedure. Source. 1939, 179:8. RL 378:8. RSA 503:8. 1957, 26:2. 1985, 182:5, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
503:9 Transfer to the Supreme Court. – The findings of fact by the justice hearing the claim shall be final, but questions of law may be transferred to the supreme court in the same manner as from the superior court. Source. 1965, 327:6, eff. Sept. 6, 1965.
